THE claim comes days after opposition members said the party of government is abusing its majority to stifle criticism.

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Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie McGrigor

THE SNP has been accused of "doctoring" a Holyrood committee report on Scotland's place in Europe to reflect more pro-independence views.

The claim comes days after opposition members said the party of government is abusing its majority to stifle criticism.

The fresh row centres on the findings of the European and External Affairs Committee.

Labour and Tory members complain they were blocked from publishing the original draft and a separate minority report.

The SNP used its majority to add an entire section on concerns about a possible UK exit from the European Union.

Much of the short conclusion - which promotes the role of small states in the EU - was signed off thanks to SNP votes.

However, the report also reflects critical views of Scottish Government policy and the potential for the country to have to reapply for membership of the EU after a vote for independenc eon September 18.

Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie McGrigor, who sits on the committee, said: "The original draft report produced by the clerks was a clear, impartial reflection of the evidence the committee had received.

"However, it soon became clear the SNP members wanted to doctor this and include more pro-independence arguments, instead of a true record of what was heard.

"We are completely unsatisfied with the report and its conclusions, which differ greatly from the original draft. The SNP has used its in-built majority to gag opposing views, and that is a disgrace.

"I'm concerned that this is now becoming a pattern. The committees in Holyrood are supposed to fulfil a vital role in holding the Scottish Government to account, but because of the climate we live in now at the Scottish Parliament, those opportunities have been stamped out."